Trump asks for pause in criminal trial to attend son's graduation

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NEW YORK, NY -- Former president Donald Trump is asking to pause his criminal trial so he can attend his son Barron Trump’s graduation. The businessman, and 2024 Republican presidential candidate, made the request at the start of his trial on Monday (Apr. 15).

Judge Juan Merchan addressed Mr. Trump’s previous requests for trial delays before delving into the possibility of adjourning for Barron’s graduation.

“Regarding counsel's request that the court adjourn on Friday, May 17th for Mr. Trump to attend his son's high school graduation and Friday, June 3rd to allow a member of the defense team to attend their son's graduation, I cannot rule on those two requests at this time,” Judge Merchan said.

“It really depends on how we are doing on time and where we are in the trial," he continued. "If everything is going according to schedule without unnecessary delays, then I am sure we will be able to adjourn for one or both of those days, but if we are running behind schedule, we will not be able to.”

Barron Trump is former president Trump’s youngest child. He was 10-years-old when his father took office in 2016. Barron’s mom, Melania Trump, made cyberbullying her focus while First Lady due to her son being scrutinized online shortly after his father was elected as president.

“Let's face it, most children are more aware of the benefits and pitfalls of social media than some adults,” Melania said during a cyberbullying summit in 2018. “In today's global society, social media is … part of our children's daily lives,” she added. “It can be used in many positive ways, but can also be destructive and harmful when used incorrectly.”

Melania’s “Be Best” awareness campaign was launched on May 7, 2018 and ended on January 18, 2021. The concept of wellness among youth that fueled the initiative was promoted throughout the United States as well as in Ghana and other countries.

Mr. Trump is presently facing charges of falsifying business records to cover up a sex scandal while serving as president of the United States. He could face jail time if convicted.